As laxative

Sodium sulfate in moderation is used as a diuretic and cathartic for humans and animals (14) (see Gastrointestinal agents). It is also used in consumer products such as laxatives, antacids, and as a natural filler it is used extensively in powdered laundry detergents (see Detergency). 

Using extreme means to lose weight, such as laxatives or diet pill abuse or exercising excessively ... 

Abuse/Dependency Chronic use of laxatives, particularly stimulants, may lead to laxative dependency, which in turn may result in fluid and electrolyte imbalances, steatorrhea, osteomalacia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and a poorly functioning colon. Also known as laxative abuse syndrome (LAS), it is difficult to diagnose. Cathartic colon Cathartic colon, a poorly functioning colon, results from the chronic abuse of stimulant cathartics. 

Wasicky, B. Investigations of the seeds of Plantago ovata, P. psyllium, and P. major variety cruenta as laxatives. 

The cathartics are so numerous that they require classification (see Table 12.1). This has been done in a variety of ways. The drugs may be classified according to the intensity of their action, and thus can be designated as laxatives, purgatives, and drastics, in order of increasing potency. The group can also be delineated according to the site of action, or by the interval of time before... 

People with anorexia nervosa starve themselves. People with bulimia eat and purge their food by vomiting or by some other means. People with both conditions may take diet pills, as well as laxatives, diuretics, and caffeine beverages. 

Tamarind preparations are recognized universally as refrigerants in fevers and as laxatives and carminatives (Morton, 1987). The laxative properties of the pulp and the diuretic properties of the leaf sap have been confirmed by modern medicinal science (Bueso, 1980). In South-east Asia,... 

Polydextrose (6) is a synthetic polymer of dextrose with the dextrose molecules linked l->6. This link is not common in nature so polydextrose is only one quarter metabolised which gives the psychologically important value of 1 kcal g 1. As laxative effects arise through colligative properties, and because polydextrose has a high molecular weight, the laxative effects experienced are lower than for the low molecular weight polyols. 

Others, however, clearly did use botanical subsitutes. Through interviews with aged Confederate surgeons, Joseph Jacobs was able to present a valuable picture of dmg conditions in the South during the war and how they coped with shortages.39 One surgeon used red oak bark added to water as a disinfectant, slippery elm as an emollient, may apple and strong teas of peach tree leaves as laxatives, and for... 

Docusate sodium and docusate salts are widely used as anionic surfactants in pharmaceutical formulations. Docusate sodium is mainly used in capsule and direct-compression tablet formulations to assist in wetting and dissolution. Docusate salts are also used in oral formulations as laxatives and fecal softeners see Table I. 

Buckthorn and its pharmaceutical derivatives (senna, cascara) are most commonly taken as laxatives. Other purported but unsubstantiated uses include treating skin disorders, ulcers, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. 

In the past, mercurous chloride was widely used in medicinal products such as laxatives, worming medications, and teething powders. These older medicines should be properly disposed of and replaced with safer and more effective medicines. Other chemicals containing mercury, such as mercurochrome and thimerosal (sold as Merthiolate and other brands), are still used as antiseptics or as preservatives in eye drops, eye ointments, nasal sprays, and vaccines. Some... 

Cassia acutfolia (Senna) and Rhamnus purshiana (cascara sagrada), which are used as laxatives ... 

Psychiatric comorbidity includes depression (np to 80%), impulse-control problems, and substance abnse. Approximately 30% to 37% of bulimic patients have a personal history of snbstance abuse. Kleptomania is reported more commonly in patients with BN than in the general pnbhc. Patients commonly steal comfort items snch as laxatives, candies, and clothes. Personality disorders, especially borderline and avoidant types, are more common in these patients than in the general population. ... 

Viscosity data (ASTM D-445, IP 71) are used to ensure that, in the case of oils for internal use as laxatives, unduly fluid material, which could increase risk of leakage through the anal sphincter muscle, is not used. The minimum viscosity is usually on the order of 75cSt at 37.8°C (100°F). The temperature of viscosity measurement is a normal one employed for this purpose and happens, in the case of medicinal oils, to be that of the human body. Thus the viscosity of these oils is measured at their working temperature. 

ALOES Many different types of Aloes have been used in medicine as laxatives bnt the two main types now recognised are Cape Aloes from Southern Africa and Barbados Aloes from the Caribbean. Cape Aloes consists of the concentrated and dried jnice of the leaves of various species of Aloe, mainly Aloe ferox Miller and its hybrids. Barbados Aloes is produced from Aloe barbadensis Miller (also known as Aloe vera L.), family Liliaceae. (Fig. 6) The different Aloe plants are all succulent cactns-like plants with large fleshy water-storing leaves. These are cnt near the base and the jnice from the pericyclic cells is collected. This jnice is then concentrated by heat and allowed to dry into dark masses. 

Pectin, guar and glucomannans are examples of gel-forming fibres, whereas cellulose, lignins and seed coats are examples of nonsoluble fibres. The non-soluble fibres bind water and swell and keep water in the intestine, while the gel-forming fibres are degraded, which make them unsuitable as laxatives. 

Much of the current interest in benzo[ ]thiophene chemistry owes its origins to the wide range of biological and other activities shown by many of its derivatives. In medicine, benzo[ ]thiophene derivatives have been patented as laxatives,7 contraceptives,8 and antiinfluenza agents.9 In... 

THERAP cat (VET) Topically as detergent (cleansing agent) and mild antiseptic. In liniments as counterirritant. Has been used internally as laxative, antacid and as an antidote lor mineral acids and heavy metals. 

The terms laxatives, cathartics, purgatives, aperients, and evacuants often are used interchangeably. There is a distinction, however, between luxation (the evacuation of formed fecal material from the rectum) and catharsis (the evacuation of unformed, usually watery fecal material from the entire colon). Most of the commonly used agents promote taxation, but some are cathartics that act as laxatives at low doses. 

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